Everton FC star Aaron Lennon swapped his playing strip for a fire kit to urge people to stay safe this Bonfire Night.

The Blues winger took time out after training to visit Speke Fire Station and find out more about how firefighters and police officers will be working to keep Merseyside safe on November 5.

After donning fire kit, Lennon was given a tour of the station and shown the rescue equipment on their fire engines while learning about the pressures that firefighters face when dealing with deliberate fires over the bonfire period.

He said: “Anybody who is going to put their life at risk to keep other people safe is a hero and the work that firefighters do is unbelievable.

“Obviously they do a great job all year round but especially coming up to Bonfire Night we wanted to come down to the fire station and support the great job they do.

“We just want everyone to stay safe, respect the rules and go to organised firework displays.”

Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service are hoping people will attend organised fireworks displays taking place across the region but are also putting on cage football sessions for children over the Bonfire and Halloween period.

Watch Manager Ian Mullen, who is leading the bonfire strategy for Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, said: “It was fantastic to welcome Aaron to the fire station, where he learned about the pressures faced by firefighters over the Bonfire period, if people set deliberate fires.

“If firefighters are called out to deliberate fires, that can delay a response to other emergencies.

“We want people to stay safe by attending an organised display and are urging parents to ensure their children know the dangers of fireworks misuse or fire-setting.

“People should never give combustible materials to young people to build bonfires and should not dump rubbish where it could be set on fire.

“Wheelie bins should only be put out on the day of collection and brought back in straight away. They should never be stored near windows and doors.”